Good morning, Ocala.

Light Up Ocala will return to downtown as its 41st installment this holiday season.

The event will run on November 22 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and include over 100 vendors, live entertainment, an interactive kids’ zone, and a Junior Sunshine holiday parade with Santa — ending with the lighting up of downtown.

A 63-year-old woman arrested for trespassing at Ocala Walmart now faces extra charges after allegedly setting fire to a police cruiser during her transport to Marion County Jail—her court appearance is scheduled for August 19 at 9 a.m. while she remains held on a $10,000 bond.

A 66-year-old man was arrested earlier this week for felony littering after more than 1,100 pounds of trash was dumped near the intersection of Oak Lane Way — Emerald Loop Way in Silver Springs Shores — and he admitted making two trips to the site before being released on bond.

Florida students are returning to school without their phones as a new state law bans cell phone use during classes—this law went into effect at the start of the school year and affects public schools.

Gulfstream Park Racing Association filed a lawsuit on August 5 against the Florida Gaming Control Commission to challenge a 2021 law that forces thoroughbred tracks to hold races to keep slot-machine licenses—claiming the rule violates the Florida Constitution and unfairly burdens them. The lawsuit contends that the requirement puts Gulfstream at a competitive disadvantage while favoring casinos over the racing industry important to local agriculture.

Representatives from Belleview attended Hurricane Preparedness Training on August 7th at Marion County’s Emergency Operations Center—showing their efforts to prepare for the coming hurricane season.

Michael T. Botelho sued Life Care Center of Ocala after his father, Victorino Botelho, died on July 28th amid claims the facility neglected proper care—failing to monitor his condition or follow doctor orders—while his attorneys seek over $50,000 in damages.

The legal case is now proceeding in Marion County court.

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital has been named a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer — a move that will expand access to biomarker testing, early detection through a lung nodule program, and personalized treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

The hospital continues to focus on improving care for lung cancer patients in our community.

Terracotta Pot Paint Night

7-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — $45 standard admission — Enjoy a creative evening painting terracotta pots with guidance from a talented instructor.

DCCW: HEATWAVE

7-10 p.m. — Silver Springs Shores Community Center — $20 adults, $12 kids — Experience intense wrestling action as Jake Logan defends his title against Romeo Quevedo.

First Time Home Buyer Workshop

5-9 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — Free entry — Get expert advice and resources to turn your homeownership dreams into reality.

The Jersey Tenors Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Tickets $32-35 — Experience an explosive blend of opera and rock with iconic Jersey music.

Titans of Rock

7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the best anthems of Journey and Bon Jovi live in one electrifying performance.

Mermaids vs. Pirates Roller Derby Scrimmage

1:30-4 p.m. — Ocala Downtown Market — $10 admission, kids under 12 free — Enjoy a thrilling roller derby scrimmage featuring an exciting showdown between mermaids and pirates.

FL-Labor Day Barrel Blast

August 28th – September 1st — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — $40,000 Added — Experience thrilling barrel racing competitions with significant prize money.

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion SELP — $25 at the gate — Experience traditional rodeo fun featuring bronc riding, barrel racing, and more at the 40th Annual event.